EAST-WEST TRADE

HC Deb 27 May 1957 vol 571 cc3-4

2. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position to make a statement on the relaxation of strategic controls on western trade with China and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

5. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the progress of the discussions on relaxing the embargo on exports to China.

10. Mr. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make a statement concerning the meeting of the China Committee of the Consultative Group, held last week, for the purpose of dis-discussing the lifting of the embargo on trade with China.

13. Mr. Collins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now announce his proposals for removing the restrictions on trade with China.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

A meeting of the China Committee is being held today at which we shall make a further effort to reach agreement on the relaxation of the China trade controls. I will report to the House as soon as possible.

Mr. Swingler

Can the Foreign Secretary now say when he is to report to the House? Are we to take it that the Press reports that the final meeting on this matter is today are accurate, and that therefore on the result of today's meeting the Government will be in a position to declare their position on the subject?

Mr. Lloyd

I very much hope so.

Mr. Lewis

May we also take it that the Government and the Foreign Secretary still adhere to the statements they have made during the past few weeks that, so far as Her Majesty's Government are concerned, they will insist with the Americans that we shall try to get this embargo placed at least on terms not less favourable than that operated by the Soviet bloc?

Mr. Lloyd

We certainly adhere to the view that this differential should not continue.

Mr. Ridsdale

Can my right hon. and learned Friend say whether we may have an opportunity before a decision is reached to debate this subject in the House?

Mr. Lloyd

I do not think I can promise my hon. Friend that. This is a matter which really has been under discussion for so long that a decision must be reached.

Mr. Collins

Can the Foreign Secretary say whether, when he makes the Government's decision known to the House, it will be immediately operative?

Mr. Lloyd

I do not think I can promise the hon. Gentleman that. There still may have to be certain arrangements made which will take a little time to be brought into effect.